Publication Date
Spring 5-10-2022
Document Type
Action research project: Open access
Degree Name
MA Higher Education Leadership
Department
Leadership Studies
Abstract
In recent years, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives have been highlighted in college mission statements, but there is a gap between college-wide initiatives and classroom practices. Research shows that White Americans, in particular, remain silent, express colorblindness, and incorporate avoidance strategies when discussing race (Bryan et al., 2012). As classrooms become increasingly diverse, White faculty must be equipped to serve all students equitably. To address White faculty discomfort with discussing race in their courses, I provided educational resources and used restorative justice circle practice to create a safe, low stakes environment for faculty to explore this topic. Through circle practices, faculty were able to reflect on their White identity, engage in role-playing, share ideas, and learn alongside one another. White faculty reported being more comfortable engaging in race conversations with students. They also moved beyond conversations to implementation by incorporating diverse authors and identity statements into their syllabi and created plans to adjust class practices to be more inviting and equitable.
Digital USD Citation
Appel, Monique B., "Uncomfortable but Necessary: White Faculty Identity Development and Race Conversations" (2022). M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects. 97.
https://digital.sandiego.edu/soles-mahel-action/97
Copyright
Copyright held by the author
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a CC BY License.
Included in
Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education Commons, Curriculum and Instruction Commons, Educational Psychology Commons, Higher Education Commons, Leadership Studies Commons, Social Justice Commons